Silversea has developed a new wine program “to bolster its reputation as the top purveyor of wines at sea.” The approximately 160 different wines from 70 different labels were selected by the cruise line’s expert Wine Ambassador, Lawrence d’Almeida.
Silversea touts that every major wine region in the world is represented in the complimentary range, as well as every major wine grape—although Italian wines are particularly well-represented as an homage to the cruise line’s heritage. What’s more: When relevant to the ships’ destination, local wines will be added to Silversea’s wine selection.
Paired with the new program are a series of themed wine voyages, which visit wine-related destinations and are hosted by d’Almeida. Oenological experiences include both onboard lectures and tastings and shore-based excursions.
Departing October 18 and arriving October 31, 2018, Silversea’s Silver Whisper will cruise between Lisbon and Fort Lauderdale for Silversea’s next wine voyage, for which the cruise line has partnered with Comitato Grandi Cru d’Italia and the American Fine Wine Competition (AFWC). As the ship sails from Europe to the U.S., guests can sample both Old and New World wines, with approximately 33 different varieties of high-class Italian wines provided by Comitato Grandi Cru d’Italia. Additionally, 19 varieties of America’s top wines will be available, as selected by the AFWC. Vintners, wine magazine publishers and co-founders of the AFWC, Monty and Sara Preiser, will join the voyage as instructors/hosts. The Preisers will present AFWC’s Double Gold Medal-winning wines and/or bottles from wineries named as Winery of the Year to guests of the voyage.
Members of the Associazione della Sommellerie Professionale Italiana (ASPI) sommelier association, Giuseppe Vaccarini and Gennaro Buono, former best sommelier in the world and the best sommelier in Italy, respectively, will each join a segment of the transatlantic voyage. The former will accompany guests on various wine-related shore excursions, while the latter will host an accredited propaedeutic sommelier course, meaning participating guests will disembark Silver Whisper with a recognized sommelier qualification.
Silversea currently has four additional wine-themed voyages scheduled for 2019. These include:
- Auckland to Sydney: Departing Auckland on January 20 and arriving in Sydney on February 2 aboard Silver Muse, the voyage will be hosted by d’Almeida. In New Zealand, guests will be able to enjoy a half day tour of Gisborne’s wine region; trips to wineries in Picton; and a tour of the Marlborough region. In Australia, guests will experience a trip to the Ghost Rock Vineyard, among other attractions.
- Sydney to Bali: On February 2, Silver Whisper will depart Sydney for Bali (Benoa), arriving on February 16. Also hosted by Silversea’s Wine Ambassador, the 14-day voyage will visit Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin and Komodo. A wide variety of carefully chosen Australian wines will be added to the Complimentary wine selection. Among the enrichments, guests can enjoy a private tour of the iconic Sirromet Winery in Queensland.
- Lisbon to Amsterdam: Silversea’s Silver Cloud will cruise between Lisbon and Amsterdam from May 1 to 13. Visiting Oporto, La Coruna, Gijon, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Belle Ile, Douarnenez, Saint Malo and Le Havre, the voyage will include opportunities to sample gastronomy from across the continent. Note: there will be an overnight stay in Bordeaux.
- London to Barcelona: Between May 19 and June 2, Silver Whisper will cruise between London (Greenwich) and Barcelona, stopping at Honfleur, Saint Malo, Bordeaux, Le Verdon (Bordeaux), Bilbao, Lisbon, Cadiz and Malaga. Along the way, guests will be able to participate in the 2019 edition of the onboard accredited sommelier course. Guests can also partake in private tours of prominent wineries throughout the voyage.
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